CARS are being stolen from outside homes in Crosby to sell as scrap metal.

A rise in auto crime has seen seven cars stolen and 13 thefts from vehicles so far this month.

Many of the cars stolen have been cheaper models and police believe they are being sold on as scrap.

Crosby Neighbourhood Inspector Diane Prosser said: “There is a possibility they could be getting used as scrap. That is another avenue we are looking at.”

The main locations of the theft of goods from vehicles have been in housing estates around the Rimrose Valley Park area. In one incident a bumper was taken from a car parked on Myers Road West on the afternoon of Wednesday, August 10.

A wheel trim and number plates have been ripped off vehicles.

Items such as SatNavs, cash and iPods have also been stolen.

Police are also advising people not to leave the sucker marks on windscreens where SatNavs have been.

It is believed criminals are travelling in from the Bootle and Netherton areas.

Insp Diane Prosser, said: “I’m working with neighbourhood police at Copy Lane because that’s where I believe a lot of the criminals are travelling from.”

An auto crime operation has been set up and a mobile police station will be positioned around the area over the next three weeks, offering crime prevention advice and encouraging people to report incidents.

There will also be a crime prevention car based around Crosby Marina, giving tips on how to keep vehicles safe from thieves. Extra policing from the mounted section and the automatic number plate recognition vehicle will also be used.

PCSOs will also be out on bikes patrolling the area.

Insp Prosser said: “We are trying to maximise the amount of resources we have got in terms of officers and specials.

“We are trying to push the education side because vehicles don’t tend to get broken into if there’s nothing in them.”

A 20-year-old man has been arrested and is on police bail after a stolen car and Sat Nav were used in a burglary on a house in Elmwood Avenue.

He was placed on a curfew pending further enquiries and two other men are also wanted in connection with the incident.

Anyone with information for police about crime can call 0151 709 6010 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.